Get ready to transport yourself back to childhood with this mouthwatering breaded pork tenderloin recipe that's guaranteed to make your taste buds dance! This classic American dish is more than just a meal—it's a nostalgic journey that brings the warmth of home cooking right to your dinner table. With its perfectly golden, crispy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside, this recipe is about to become your new family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the pork tenderloin by trimming any excess fat and silver skin. Slice the tenderloin into 1/2-inch thick medallions or cutlets.
- Set up three shallow dishes for breading station: - First dish: Mix flour with salt and pepper - Second dish: Whisk eggs until well beaten - Third dish: Combine breadcrumbs with garlic powder and paprika
- Pound each pork medallion between plastic wrap to an even 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring uniform cooking.
- Dredge each pork cutlet first in seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to approximately 350°F. Use enough oil to cover bottom of pan with about 1/4 inch depth.
- Carefully place breaded pork cutlets into hot oil, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove cutlets and drain on paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. Optional: Garnish with lemon wedges or parsley.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork reaches exactly 145°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Breading Technique: Press breadcrumbs firmly onto the meat to create a thick, even coating that will give you that irresistible crunch.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Keep your oil at a consistent 350°F. Too low, and your pork will be greasy; too high, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each piece gets crispy and golden.
- Let It Rest: Allow the cooked cutlets to drain on paper towels and rest for a few minutes to retain maximum juiciness.
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to your breadcrumb mixture for an extra flavor dimension.Pro Tip: For an extra crispy coating, you can double-bread by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps for an even more luxurious crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
